Report: Actor From HBO Series Wrapping Up Deal to Play Villain in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

One of the stars of an HBO series appears poised to play the villain in the eagerly awaited first installment of the final "Star Wars" trilogy. TheWrap.com reports that "Girls" actor Adam Driver is close to locking down a deal to take on the role in "Star Wars: Episode VII."

"Driver has been in the ‘Star Wars’ mix for some time, but scheduling issues provided an obstacle. It looks as though that hurdle has been overcome," the story reports. "Warner Bros. had been seeking Driver to star in the Green Hat Films production ‘Arms and the Dudes,’ but the actor was reluctant to commit knowing that he stood a strong chance for a lead role in ‘Star Wars.’ Driver was forced to turn down a supporting role in ‘Batman vs. Superman’ for the same reason."

Reps for Driver were not confirming anything, nor were Disney or LucasFilm, the piece notes.

"It remains unclear what Driver’s role will be, though it is understood that the character will be villainous in nature," the story reports, adding: "[J.J.] Abrams is directing from a script he co-wrote with Lawrence Kasdan. Abrams is also producing with his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk and LucasFilm’s Kathleen Kennedy."

The movie is set to start filming this spring in London, and due for release Dec. 18, 2015.